Sporting Clube Portugal-FC Barcelona: Into the final of the UEFA Futsal Cup (3-5)

Marc Carmona's team showed great character to beat the hosts in the semi-finals in the very last minute

Jordi Clos (in Portugal)

10:00PM Thursday 23 Apr

Futsal

23 Apr 15

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Great teams usually perform on the big stage and that was certainly the case for Barça in the semi-final of the UEFA Futsal Cup in Lisbon against local side Sporting de Portugal. Marc Carmona’s side showed great character to seal the victory in the last minute with two quick strikes to send them through to Sunday’s final.

Early deficit

The early stages of the game were a cagey affair yet both sides had chances to take the lead. Wilde went close for the blaugranes in the second minute whilst for the home side Ferrao was a constant threat. In the end it was the Portuguese team who broke the deadlock: Sporting stole the ball in midfield and Diogo made it 1-0 after 12 minutes. However, man of the match for Barça Dyego first hit the post on the quarter of an hour mark and then levelled things up just a minute later with a well taken goal. Sporting had to deal with losing their keeper and captain Joao Benedito due to injury. Substitute Cristiano came on for the home side and was immediately forced into action, making several important saves. Nevertheless, on 25 minutes Wilde put Barça ahead before adding a second for him and a third for Barça just three minutes later.

Dramatic ending

The Portuguese side looked dead and buried but a goal from Joao Matos brought them back into it at 3-2. With just five minutes remaining they sacrificed their keeper in search of an equaliser and were rewarded with a strike from Caio to bring it back to 3-3. Ferrao had a triple opportunity to put his side in front before Sporting struck the post with just a minute left on the clock. With the game heading into extra time, Batería conjured up the decisive goal with an excellent finish to put Barça ahead. Sedano rounded off the win with a fifth for the blaugranes as Sporting desperately sought an unlikely equaliser.